German Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU)
Founded in 1992, the German Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU) is an independent scientific advisory body to the German Federal Government. In its reports, the WBGU:
- analyses global environmental and development issues;
- evaluates research on global sustainable development;
- identifies research gaps and provides impetus for research;
- identifies emerging problem areas as an early warning system;
- evaluates global sustainability policy;
- makes recommendations for action and research.
The WBGU communicates complex interrelationships, assesses risks, and proposes ecological and socio-economic 'guardrails' to be avoided. The Council's policy advice on global change aims to facilitate evidence- and knowledge-based political and societal debate, and help decision-makers act in situations of uncertainty. The Council is particularly concerned with precautionary options aimed at preventing serious, irreversible damage to people and nature. International cooperation is essential for addressing global environmental and developmental issues. To this end, the WBGU monitors and evaluates international policy processes, paying particular attention to the Rio Conventions.
Professor Dr Sabine Schlacke has been a member of the WBGU since 2008, serving as Co-Chair from 2016 to 2024. She was reappointed for a further four years in October 2024.
Recent WBGU reports:
The WBGU is currently working on a new flagship report on the topic of 'Security – sustainable and integrated'. Recent publications can be found here.